Danseuse Espagnole

Vári’s "Danseuse Espagnole", or "Spanish Dancer", serves as the centerpiece of Wichita State University’s Plaza of Heroines. The Plaza of Heroines celebrates the history and accomplishments of women, so it is fitting that a sculpture by this accomplished artist rests at its heart. Vári works in both paint and sculpture, but considers herself primarily a sculptor. She notes the complexity of working in three dimensions, saying that “a painting is composed of a plane: you create perspective and a single dimension around which the work rotates. A sculpture instead includes seven visions that have to converge. It means a sculpture has to coherently join seven paintings together. How is it done? With sacrifice and constant work.” "Spanish Dancer" links swirling, swelling, abstract forms, but the title suggests it can be read as a human figure, more particularly a dancer. Traditional Spanish dances like the Flamenco and Paso Doble are infamous for their passion, and the costumes for their dramatic, flourishing movements.